Joining the Timothy Project

The Timothy Project works primarily through relationships. However, in any relationship there comes a time when it is helpful to express the level of commitment to one another. This is why we offer ways to join us in a more official way. This is an offer, not a prerequisite for working with us.

Churches will be at different levels in their relationship with the Timothy Project. Some churches want support for a period of time or in specific areas, while others want to be deeply involved. Therefore, we offer three ways in which churches can connect with the Timothy Project:

Associate churches are churches who ask us for help and input, and where there is a sense that God wants us to work together. Such churches must agree with the document “Theology and Values” and wish to build church in accordance with these values. Associated churches may be part of other networks/denominations but still want to work with the Timothy Project.

Partner churches are like associated churches, but in addition have a level of accountability to the Timothy Project. Accountability is a decision we make when we recognise in other believers a wisdom and an experience in God. While every church is responsible to God for their decisions, the Bible shows us how we need to be open to the perspectives of others in the Body of Christ in making these decisions. (Eph.5:21; Gal 2:1-10).

Church plants/Emerging churches are groups who do not yet see themselves as a local church, but want input from the Timothy Project to build a local fellowship in their town. This could be a church plant from an existing church – or a local group of believers that wants to develop and grow towards becoming a local church.

We believe in self-governing churches where the local congregation and its leaders make the final decisions and are responsible for the direction of the church. The Timothy Project will advise and support, but will not make decisions regarding local matters.